ON THE WALLABI.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 94, 7 August 1895, Page 2

ON THE WALLABI.

BUNN Y'l 110RTE. (From Our Travelling Correspondent.) Friday last was a read letter day in the rising township of Bunnythorpe, where an entertainment to celebrate the anni versary of the opening of the Anglican Chmch, was held in the Town Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Your correspondent being courteously invited to attend, it may be interesting to some to read an account of the proceedings. Tea was placed on the table at 5 o’clock, by which time a goodly number of people had assembled, and a bounteous repast it was. Every delicacy, compatible with the occasion, was provided by the ladies of the congregation and visiting friends, the whole being under the able management of Mrs Heppel, who is to be highly complimented upon the_ complete arrangements made in connection there with, and to whom the thanks of the community axe specially due. Mrs Heppel was assisted in her duties as hostess by Mrs Boddy and other ladies; several gentlemen also volunteered their services, so that all who attended wore made to feel at home.

Tb* adults bavins: first appeased tbeir hunger, ihe children then took their seats, and it was a pleasant sight to see the little ones playing havoc with the good things provided, with their rosy faces beaming with delight. The Rev Mr Devenish was seen here, there and everywhere, anticipating the wants of both old and young ; and under his genial influence all went happy as a marriage bell. Trii over, all who could, assisted to clear the hall for the concert, and so well and willingly did they work that, within a very short time, everything was prepared for that event which had been looked forward to for weeks past as something far beyr nd the average of village concerts. Nov were the audience disappointed. The indeVigable organist (Mr F. Horner, well known in Pa'ea) had been entrusted with its preparation, and right well bad he performed bis arduous labours. It has been the writer’s good fortune to be present at several concerts of a like nature, at most of which be has been well pleased : and indeed musical education has now become so general that none but first-class pieces will satisfy a country audience. But L have no hesitation in saying that the performances here are done in a style far beyond the average. Certain faults there were without doubt, and where are they rob to be found amongst amateur peiformers. But undfr Mr Horner’s able oonduotorship these' were scarcely noticeable. He wie ded the baton with an energy and precision to which all performers were alive, the result being a careful rendering of the music with due regard to time and expression, the lights and shades being well accentuated. The pianbto also gave valuable help, and to her able efforts the success of the glee singing was in a great measure duo. the opening chorus, “ Hail smiling mom,” sang by the company, was received with a burst of applause well deserved. It was followed by a song by Mr Andrews, “Never too late to mend,” given with great expression. Then followed a violin solo, “ Life let us cherish,” exquisitely played by Mr Kitchen. This gentleman’s efforts were rendered to highly appreciative listeners, who demanded an encore, to which he kindly responded. Several other items wore faultlessly rendered, and the singing of the National Anthem brought this most successful concert to a close. The Rev Mr Devenish having thanked the audience for their attendance, and the ladios and gentlemen who had so kindly assisted both at the tea and concert, a vote of thanks to the chair was the signal for dispersion, an 1 your correspondent returned to Palmerston, well pleased at all he had seen and heard, ami hoping that it might again be his good fortune to be present at such a merry gathering. August 3rd, 1895.